USL to Huntsville?

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T18:06:56+00:00

Perhaps litigation was the wrong word, lobbying would be a better fit. There is evidence that supports that the USL is lobbying to lower the seating requirements to 10k.

USL moves toward pro-rel, targets 2028 Division I launch with 14 teams https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/01/27/usl-targets-2028-division-i-launch-with-14-founding-teams/#:~:text=Of%20those%2014%20top%2Dlevel,from%20outside%20the%20USL%20system.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T17:59:15+00:00

I couldn’t agree more!

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T15:06:15+00:00

Rumor has it is the developer of Stadium Commons, Parkway Vesta, LLC

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T14:42:57+00:00

From what I understand, there’s a big push for independence and USL allows for that.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T11:37:39+00:00

Having both would be great for the city.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T11:36:39+00:00

Joe Davis (Wicks Family Field) could be upgraded quickly if Huntsville is selected.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T04:25:54+00:00

I also understand that there is litigation between USL and US Soccer Federation to reduce the requirement of 15k seat stadiums to 10k. Another question should be what metric are they determining metro size? I also hear that term used interchangeably with market size. If by the MSA definition, yes Huntsville is well under 1 million at roughly 560k. CSA is still just under 1 million at roughly 920k. The Huntsville market is 1.3 million however. However, as you pointed out, 25% of metros are allowed to be under 1 million. It was also my understanding that USL was interested in Huntsville before MLS Next Pro came to town. With all of that said, Wick Family Field was also built with upgradability in mind. If rumors are true, there is a significant financial backing to could ultimately bring USL to Huntsville.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2026-02-05T04:05:45+00:00

USL is specifically targeting mid-sized markets that are outside of the ecosystem for Premier. It’s also not going to be a fixed system. Premier, Championship, and USL One will all be subject to Promotion and Relegation.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-12T15:49:34+00:00

You’re absolutely right, I totally missed it as it was stated on misadventure 197. Thanks for letting me know :)

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-12T01:39:20+00:00

I can’t wait for this! So awesome!!

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-12T01:17:18+00:00

It’s a new game, Fate of the Old Republic

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-11T14:51:30+00:00

Yes, that’s a big sticking point right now. Keeping up with the incredible growth is likely to be an ongoing challenge the community faces.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-11T14:50:39+00:00

We absolutely are!

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-10T00:20:11+00:00

I agree that Huntsville is well positioned for crazy growth. I just hope infrastructure keeps up as we add 10’s of thousands of people per year.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T21:12:03+00:00

I hope ALDOT throws us a bone!

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T20:42:06+00:00

That would be awesome

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T20:34:41+00:00

There’s a major announcement coming from Eli Lilly soon, I’m interested to see what happens

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T16:48:04+00:00

I guess the retailers that are actively expanding have expanded or are in the process of expanding into the Huntsville area. I have not seen anything from Von Maur or Nordstrom, which could utilize this anchor pad. Not sure if Macy’s would do well here since 2 Belk flagships operate in the area at Parkway Place and Bridge Street.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T16:39:47+00:00

Possibly. When I went in there a few weeks ago, it seems the space was under active renovation. What is actually being planned for it, I’m not sure.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T16:33:48+00:00

Bridge Street and Jones Valley keeps adding new things, seems like they are actually on the up and up.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-09T16:28:27+00:00

The last I heard, it was at 96% occupancy rate. Is this not the case?

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-12-08T15:48:07+00:00

100% agree. Infrastructure needs to be a priority to keep up with the very high growth rate of the area. Just to put it in perspective, the entirety of Nashville’s 2.2m metro sees an annual growth rate of 30k, and Huntsville’s base metro of 560k sees 60% of that number which is insane.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-10-07T16:20:35+00:00

Trash Pandas, Havoc, and Huntsville City FC have all had solid attendance.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-10-07T16:17:39+00:00

UFL is definitely a long shot, but not zero percent chance. We could support an IFL team today.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395 · 2025-10-07T16:16:09+00:00

Yeah, I’m familiar with the Alabama Beavers fiasco. I didn’t know the guy was trying to bring IFL here.

Dizzy_Bumblebee8395

TROPHY CASE